Classes were underway for little more than an hour Friday morning at George F. Baker High School in Tuxedo, NY when students and staff heard an ominous creaking sound coming from the ceiling.
Everyone rushed out of the second floor room and shortly afterwards the ceiling in room 220 buckled and partially collapsed, showering the room with insulation. There were no injuries due to the quick thinking of all involved.
The George F. Baker production of Guys and Dolls has been rescheduled for Monday and Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
Students/staff heard creaking then evacuated Tuxedo’s Baker HS moments before ceiling collapse http://t.co/LieGhvyrjd pic.twitter.com/xZfVo8BawP
— News12HV (@News12HV) March 7, 2014
Students and staff of George F. Baker were evacuated to the school’s gymnasium for safety. Then students and staff from George Grant Mason Elementary and Middle schools next door, and the high school, were dismissed early as precaution. There was also reportedly a district wide issue with water at the time of the incident, according to the Tuxedo Union Free School District.
The Tuxedo Police, Tuxedo Fire District, Co. 1 and the Orange Ulster BOCES Risk Management were emergency responders on the scene.
According to Superintendent of Schools Carol Lomascolo, architects and engineers inspected the collapsed section of the ceiling and determined that “the building’s structural system and components are in good, sound condition.”
Additionally, Superintendent Lomascolo had a conference call with the New York State Education Department (NYSED), OUBOCES Risk Management about the condition of the building. After input by the engineers onsite, George F. Baker HS was approved by the NYSED for occupancy.
Classes will resume Monday, March 10, at both George F. Baker High School and the George Grant Mason School.
Guys and Dolls
“Guys and Dolls” takes place Monday, March 10, and Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m.
The high school production of Guys and Dolls has been rescheduled for Monday, March 10, and Tuesday night, March 11, at 7 p.m. Performances take place at the George F. Baker auditorium.
Senior (actors) Recognition Night will be on Tuesday.
Tickets for the production are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students.
Since there will only be two performances all tickets will be general admission and will be honored on a first come, first seated basis. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. for seating.
For those who bought tickets but may be unable to attend the new performances, refunds will be available at the school during the week of the performance. Contact the high school office at 351.4786 extension 2101 for information about refunds.
